FSB 'urges government not to increase fuel duty'

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has today urged the government not to increase fuel duty on April 1st.

Chris Glenn, FSB transport chairman, claims company accounts are taking a 'beating' due to rising fuel prices.

"Now is not the time for the government to be adding to their problems by increasing fuel duty. After a really tough year and several major tax increases, small businesses deserve a break," Mr Glenn said.

In a statement released by the FSB today, garden centre and pet shop owner Karen Baldwin said wholesalers have passesd their costs on to business owners and claimed that one seller had completely ended deliveries to her area.

The FSB is the UK's largest business organisation and works to promote the interests of small businesses.

According to fuel comparison site Petrolprices.com, which tells consumers where the cheapest fuel can be found, the cost of unleaded petrol has increased by 41.1p a litre since 1995.